Remember, using tobacco is not simply a bad habit—it’s an addiction. The drug in the tobacco plant that causes dependence is nicotine. 

When someone smokes or vapes tobacco, it will often lead to changes in their brain and nervous system. When the individual stops smoking for a period of time, it is common for individuals to experience some withdrawal symptoms as the brain and body adjust to no longer having nicotine in the system.

Just like with other addictions, people who are addicted to smoking or vaping nicotine feel a compulsive desire to use.

People may feel find the cravings for nicotine to be severe and they continue to smoke or vape. 

This is why some people who do quit for a while may slip up and return to using.

There are other parts of addiction as well.  People who smoke or vape may connect use of the drug with different activities, places, feelings, and people that they encounter in their day-to-day life.  This reinforces the cycle of addiction as the person often feels triggered to use. 

Using tobacco increases the risk of many serious illnesses such as cancer, respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease.  The addition to nicotine can make it challenging to stop, even when you know there are many important reasons to quit. 

The fact that tobacco use is an addiction means that it is important to get support with quitting. There are effective treatments that can help. Keep in mind, it may also make several quit attempts before people are successful in quitting for good.  If things don’t work out the first time, don’t give up on quitting! 

For help with overcoming tobacco addiction, connect with the Smokers’ Helpline: call 1-800-363-5864 or text 709-700-7002.